◄ Proverbs 9:11 ►
For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
Study Bible
For through wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" here is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is often personified and is seen as a divine attribute. It is through this divine wisdom that one can navigate the complexities of life. The phrase suggests that wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a guiding principle that influences every aspect of life, leading to a more fulfilling and righteous existence.

your days will be multiplied
The concept of days being "multiplied" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of life as a gift from God. The multiplication of days implies not just a longer life but a life filled with purpose and meaning. In the ancient Near Eastern context, longevity was often seen as a sign of divine favor and blessing. This phrase reassures the believer that living in accordance with God's wisdom brings about a life that is not only extended but enriched.

and years will be added to your life
The addition of years is a promise of longevity, echoing the blessings found in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "added" is "יֹסִיפוּ" (yosifu), which conveys the idea of increase or augmentation. This promise is not merely about the quantity of life but also the quality. In the scriptural context, a life lived in wisdom is one that is aligned with God's will, resulting in peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. The assurance of added years serves as an encouragement to pursue wisdom diligently, trusting in God's provision and timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often emphasize the value of wisdom in leading a righteous and fulfilling life.

2. Wisdom
Personified in Proverbs as a woman calling out to people, wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that leads to life and prosperity. It is central to the teachings of Proverbs and is seen as a gift from God.

3. The Audience
The book of Proverbs is addressed to the people of Israel, particularly the young and inexperienced, urging them to seek wisdom and live according to God's principles.
Teaching Points
The Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. It is essential for a life that honors God and benefits from His promises.

Longevity as a Blessing
The promise of multiplied days and added years is a blessing that comes from living wisely. It reflects a life aligned with God's will, which naturally leads to health and prosperity.

Wisdom's Divine Source
True wisdom comes from God. Seeking wisdom is an act of faith and reliance on God's understanding rather than our own.

Practical Pursuit of Wisdom
Engaging with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel are practical ways to pursue wisdom. It requires intentionality and humility to learn and grow.

Wisdom and Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is a demonstration of wisdom. It shows trust in God's plan and leads to the fulfillment of His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of longevity in Proverbs 9:11 encourage you to seek wisdom in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you actively pursue wisdom according to the teachings of Proverbs and other Scriptures?

3. How does the concept of wisdom in Proverbs relate to the New Testament teachings on living a life pleasing to God?

4. Reflect on a time when applying wisdom led to a positive outcome in your life. How did this experience reinforce the value of wisdom?

5. How can you incorporate the pursuit of wisdom into your spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible study, to ensure you are aligning your life with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 3:1-2
This passage also speaks about the benefits of wisdom, promising peace and longevity to those who keep God's commandments.

Deuteronomy 5:33
This verse emphasizes walking in obedience to God's commands, which leads to a prolonged life in the land God provides.

Ephesians 6:2-3
Paul reiterates the promise of a long life for those who honor their parents, showing a New Testament connection to the principle of wisdom leading to longevity.
Sermons
Of the Wisdom of Being ReligiousS. Clarke, D. D.Proverbs 9:11
The Advantages, of a Tractable PersonT. Horton D. D.Proverbs 9:11
The Criterion of True WisdomH. Melvill, B.D.Proverbs 9:11
The Danger of not Complying with the Gospel-CallT. Boston.Proverbs 9:11
The Gain of the WiseG. T. Bedell, D.D.Proverbs 9:11
The Profit of WisdomF. Taylor, B.D.Proverbs 9:11
The Superiority of Religion Over InfidelityJas. Lindsay,D.D.Proverbs 9:11
Digging Deep Rising High, Lasting LongW. Clarkson Proverbs 9:10, 11
Recurrence to First PrinciplesE. Johnson Proverbs 9:10-12
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Added, Increased, Multiplied, Multiply
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 9:11

     4016   life, human

Library
The Temple of Wisdom
(Preached at Wellington College, All Saints' Day, 1866.) PROVERBS ix. 1-5. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and to him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. This allegory has been …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Dryness of Preachers, and the Various Evils which Arise from their Failing to Teach Heart-Prayer --Exhortation to Pastors to Lead People Towards this Form Of
If all those who are working for the conquest of souls sought to win them by the heart, leading them first of all to prayer and to the inner life, they would see many and lasting conversions. But so long as they only address themselves to the outside, and instead of drawing people to Christ by occupying their hearts with Him, they only give them a thousand precepts for outward observances, they will see but little fruit, and that will not be lasting. When once the heart is won, other defects are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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